Princeton City Council is considering the sale of the Princeton Sanitary Board to West Virginia American Water. This is a significant, long-term decision that could affect thousands of sewer customers in Princeton and surrounding areas.

Before the sale is finalized, we are asking City Council to provide customers and residents with clear information about the proposed transaction and sufficient opportunity to review that information and be heard.

Among the questions customers deserve answers to are the expected impact on sewer rates, the amount the City will actually receive after outstanding Sanitary Board debt and other obligations are paid, how the remaining proceeds may be used, what protections are included for current Sanitary Board employees and retirees, and what commitments have been made regarding future improvements to the sewer system.

We also believe customers should be shown a clear comparison of what continued municipal ownership would mean financially versus the proposed sale to West Virginia American Water.

Selling a publicly owned utility is a decision that will have effects long after the proceeds from the sale have been spent. Once ownership is transferred, decisions regarding the system and its rates will no longer be made locally in the same manner they are today.

We are asking Princeton City Council to pause final action on the sale of the Princeton Sanitary Board until the full terms and financial impacts of the proposed sale have been clearly presented to the public and customers have had a meaningful opportunity to review the information and provide input.

This petition is about making sure a decision of this magnitude is made with transparency, complete information, and public participation. The second reading will be held on October 9, 2026.